Our Team

We believe we have one of the best teams in the South East – our customers love us and, if you haven’t been to SW1 before, we’d like to prove it to you.

We hope this part of our website will help you get to know us a little better.

Name: Sandra Wood
Qualifications and Training:
City and Guilds Hairdressing Distinction and credits – Levels 1 and 2.
College lecturer in Hairdressing at West Kent College for seven years.
TDLB assessor training.
Certificate of Education.
Master colour award at Wella London studios – this course includes all the complete wella colour knowledge from creative, corrective and predicted fashion colour.
Salon Manager for 5 years. Owner and Manager for 3 years.
Bare Escentuals mineral make up application and product knowledge.
Bare Escentuals Bridal make up.
Team building and management course.
365 Salon success member since November 2007.
Toni and Guy Advanced Creative Cutting.
Title: Director.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 22 years.
Why I like working at SW1:
My passion is hairdressing and problem solving. The enjoyment of looking at each and every client – listening to their requirements and offering my ideas and suggestions, I would not enjoy anything else.
I do believe that most people love their hairdresser to give them ideas and suggestions for what would be good for them and show them how to get there.
That is what I try to do.
What I like doing best: Oh I have so many. Wedding hair – is a great challenge and buzz. Often we go out to bride's houses or venues and it is great to join in a part of their day. Love the challenge of changing a complete look of a client – colour and cut.
Straightening is a passion – as before this many of my ultra curly clients struggled with their hair for years. And now they do not have to.
My best moment at SW1: Opening my first salon in May 2006.
Joining 365 – salon success and being able to put my ideas into action.
The products I can't live without: For clients – any shine spray – e.g. Superficial, Head Rush, Camera Ready. Great for all clients at home to give that "just out of the salon" look!

Name: Debbie Benton
Qualifications and Training:
Training at Hair Workshop Level 1 and 2. Creative Cutting courses. Hair Extensions. Redken product training. Wella colour course. Tigi product course. 365 Salon Success. Team building skills.
Title: Style Director.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 25 years.
Why I like working at SW1:
Began at SW1 in October 2008. I have found the team really friendly and the atmosphere is always busy and buzzy. I am love it.
What I like doing best: I love colouring and cutting the best. to be able to give the clients a new look and making them feel good when they leave the salon.
My best moment at SW1: Being told I got the job at SW1 Hair and Beauty.
The products I can't live without: Getting to know all the products and Bedhead Superstar range is excellent.
My own favourite treatment: Treat Me Right by Tigi – it's really nourishing and makes your head tingle.

Name: Nikki Carter
Qualifications and Training:
NVQ Level 1 and 2. Creative Cutting. Goldwell colouring courses. Creating waves and movement. Redken product training. Wella colour course. 365 salon success. Team building skills. Tigi product course.
Title: Style Director.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 20 years in the salo, training and training and assessing others.
Why I like working at SW1:
It is a very buzzy salon and everyone is really friendly. Everyone is motivated and inspired. I enjoy the wide range of people that visit the salon, so each day has new and great challenges.
What I like doing best: I find that cutting is the best way to change a persons hair and give them something new and exciting. I also love colouring and making people feel good about themselves.
My best moment at SW1: Achieving satisfied clients that were Sandra's – I did their hair when Sandra was absent. It was a good feeling.
The products I can't live without: Superstar – the whole range – love it.
My own favourite treatment: Serious conditioner - S Factor – the range is great for getting your hair back into better condition.

Name: Sue Pett
Qualifications and Training:
Training at Lionel Anthony ; Vidal Sassoon Advanced Cutting, Colouring and Barbering; Tony & Guy Advanced Cutting; L’Oreal Colouring & Creative Cutting ; Wella Best of British Hair up, Wella Creative Cutting; Came 3rd in South East of England for Hair, Colour & Makeup.
Title: Senior Stylist.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 21 years.
Why I like working at SW1:
Great salon to work in. Very high standard and very friendly salon.
What I like doing best: Love being creative and love to see clients love their hair and feel special.
My best moment at SW1: When Sandra did my hair and makeup for my renewal of my vows. Sandra made me feel like a princess.
My own favourite treatment: Hairspray Tigi Maxxed Out and Hard Head.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
Going on courses helps keep in touch with new ideas and products. To help with the standard of our salon.

Name: Sam Sayer
Qualifications and Training:
NVQ Level 2 in hairdressing. Paul Mitchell Hair Camp. Tigi product revival. Ecokid product knowledge. Wella corrective colour course and product awareness. Key skills in literacy and numeracy. Drugs Awareness. Tigi Creative Cutting course.
Title: Stylist.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 3 years.
Why I like working at SW1: The teamwork and fun we all have (and the nights out!).
What I like doing best: Creative colour and cuts. Learning new skills to give my clients a look that will give the "WOW" factor.
My best moment at SW1: Paul Mitchell Hair camp – great day – we were wowed with top hair designers and new looks for 2009 and cutting and styling tips – what an art. Also the Tigi Cutting course, working with fantastic stylists.
The products I can't live without: S Factor Shampoos and conditioners, they smell great. S Factor Lusterizer for smoothing and condition.
My own favourite treatment: Having my hair coloured and a massage with Beauty.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
The best training. Learning hair up and creative colours and cuts has made me a better Hair Dresser, also having the confidence to experience new things.

Name: Loren Townshend
Qualifications and Training: West Kent College Level 1. Tigi Retail Course. Ecokid product training. Wella Colour Course – foundation. Corrective colour. Paul Mitchell Hair Camp. L'Oreal Cutting Course.
Title: Graduate Designer.
Length of time in hair and beauty: Since I was 14 – 4 years.
Why I like working at SW1: A fab opportunity to become an exceptional hairdresser, great training. Really lovely clients, and to work with a really good team.
What I like doing best: Cutting is my passion.
My best moment at SW1: Working with an amazing team of people.
The products I can't live without: S Factor Lusterizer best for smoothing and an amazing smell. Also Foxy Curls shampoo.
My own favourite treatment: Conditioning treatments, really relaxing.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
All my training has been amazing and given me great Hair Dressing skills.

Name: Debbie Crossley
Title: Receptionist.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 2 years.
Why I like working at SW1: It's great to be part of this professional team.
What I like doing best: Meeting and greeting the clients and being a friendly face at the desk.
My best moment at SW1: I enjoy every day at work! A great salon to be in.
The products I can't live without: S Factor Heat Defender keeps my hair soft, silky and free from heat damage.
My own favourite treatment: Receptionist – I love dealing with people.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
365 Training salon success training – the salon has helped me to be more efficient and go that extra mile for clients.

Name: Hannah Goldsmith
Qualifications and Training: Working towards NVQ Level 2. Wella Colour Foundation Course. Tigi Retail Course. Ecokid product training. Wella Colour Course – foundation. Corrective colour.
Title: Trainee.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 2 and a half years.
Why I like working at SW1: I love the fun we have and the way we bounce off each other.
What I like doing best: Creating funky looks with colour.
My best moment at SW1: Coming second in Hair Up competition on evening of Salon re-launch (and the nights out!)
The products I can't live without: Hairspray – it's so versatile.
My own favourite treatment: Having my colour changed and conditioning treatments
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
Wella and Tigi training – product and colour knowledge. Plus lots of inspiring ideas from the experienced stylists in the salon.

Name: Libby Humphreys
Qualifications and Training: Level 2 and 3 (advanced hairdressing)
Sandra was my teacher at college.
Title: Senior Designer.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 10 years.
Why I like working at SW1: I love working my clients and colleagues. I am a people person.
What I like doing best: Everything equally.
My best moment at SW1: All our Christmas parties rolled into one – fun times.
The products I can't live without: Oatmeal and honey shampoo and conditioner – so nourishing.
My own favourite treatment: Paul Mitchell – Superstrong range of products for strengthening the hair.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
Watching and learning from the other stylists. Especially new styles and cuts and hair up for weddings or proms.

Name: Kelly Rabson
Qualifications and Training: NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing. NVQ Level 2 in Beauty Therapy. Wella Foundation Foiling Course, Tigi Product Knowledge Course, Tigi Creative Cutting Course.
Title: Stylist.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 3 years in Hair, 1 year in Beauty.
Why I like working at SW1: Doing creative colours and cuts, learning new techniques all teh time and also working with a great team of people.
What I like doing best: I love colouring, can achieve so many different and creative looks.
My best moment at SW1: Qualifying and also going on the Tigi cutting course.
The products I can't live without: Super Skinny Serum, a great product for a smooth finish.
My own favourite treatment: Getting the chance to get my hair done!
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
With all the training I have received (and will continue receiving) I have learnt so much and met so many interesting people.

Name: Becky Weale
Qualifications and Training: Finishing NVQ Level 2. Wella Colour Foundation Course. Tigi Retail Course. Ecokid product training. Wella Colour Course – Foundation. Corrective Colour. Spray tanning.
Title: Trainee Hairdresser and St Tropez Spray Tanning.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 2 years.
Why I like working at SW1: I am very passionate about hairdressing. It is my career and I love working around other people who are the same. The atmosphere is lovely and I receive all the opportunities to become the best hairdresser I can be.
What I like doing best: I love giving people a new look and making them feel fantastic about themselves and maintaining and changing this as time goes on.
My best moment at SW1: Working with the team and all the opportunities to make a great career.
The products I can't live without: Small Talk – as this is a three in one product that leaves the hair with a lovely shine – gives lift and body and conditions.
My own favourite treatment: A colour-saving treatment for the hair as it is so relaxing.
Training received at SW1 and how it has helped my career:
I have been up to the Wella studios in London on several occasions and for colouring courses. Cutting courses help my confidence grow as well because they bring new ideas back into the salon.

Name: Antonia Hopkins
Qualifications and Training: None yet!
Title: Trainee and Assistant.
Length of time in hair and beauty: 3 weeks.
Why I like working at SW1: It’s a professional and friendly atmosphere with fantastic training and fun colleagues.
What I like doing best: Giving treatments and finding the right products for clients.
My best moment at SW1: My first client being really happy with what I’d done for them.
The products I can't live without: Fashonista shampoo and conditioner.
My own favourite treatment: Treat Me Right.